I'm getting many questions about the market and how the past few weeks have affected it. Please ask me any questions that come up. I'm a  zoom meeting, google hangout, face time, and of course a phone call away! I'm excited to share my new buyer and seller health and safety systems now in place! From virtual open houses and buying tours to online communication- cool, easy to use tech tools which are allowing me to continue to provide what’s possible so people can take action with confidence, now with safety systems in place to ensure everyone stays healthy! Not techy? Rest assured, they are easy to use, just follow my lead! Want to hear how easy it is? Just ask!  

Helm’s Sunday Guide: I meet many people who are moving from one neigbhourhood to another. Whether they are resizing to a smaller home or looking to purchase their first home, they all have one question in common, “is this the right neighborhood for us?” With all the excitement of shopping for a home, how can you know for sure if a neighborhood is truly great and the one for you and your family? Check out a few of my tips below that may help you determine if you have chosen the right neighbourhood for you.
You will get a feel for a neighbourhood by attending open houses, walking the neighborhood, spending time in their restaurants and coffee shops. Have your eye on a specific property? Knock on doors and chat with neighbors on that street. Ask everyone who’ll talk with you about the noise, traffic, any neighborhood issues. People will share their thoughts!
As the weather gets nicer, look for activity that shows owners are keeping up with maintaining their homes like new gutters, painting, gardening and landscaping, new fences and decks tell you they have pride in their homes.
Are there people sitting on their porches? Walking dogs? Taking their kids on a walk? If residents are willing to get out and walk around the neighborhood, that’s a good sign the neighbourhood is lively and safe.
Revisit the neighbourhood in the evening, weekdays and weekends, to get a true picture.
A great neighborhood sells a home. It also helps your home hold value and makes it easier to sell if you decide to move. Have questions about a specific neighbourhood? Want more tips on choosing a neighborhood? Ask Janet!
#askjanet #neighbourhood #community #coffeeshop #craftbrewery #family #fun #cycling #walking #schools #restaurants #hiking #transit #commute #resize #downsize #soldbyhelm #yourguidehome #northvancouver #squamish #pittmeadows #mapleridge #chilliwack #lovewhereyoulive #firsttimebuyers #grateful

Is it time to move? Mowing your lawn brings you dread, climbing up & down the stairs is becoming a hassle and the thought of shoveling snow this winter, well gives you the chills. Are you ready to “right size” your lifestyle yet have questions from, "where would we go?" to "we have so much stuff, we don't know where to start!" 

Plus you still like your home.  It is where you raised your family, created wonderful memories so the thought of actually packing and choosing another home seems overwhelming. Yet you also know you want to be proactive, making decisions on your own terms so reactive decisions aren't possibly made in the future. Where to start?! Call me! The decision to resize is a process, not an overnight decision yet doesn’t have to be difficult. I will provide you with a step by step plan which is easy to follow and includes tips and resources to help make the process cost effective and enjoyable for you and your family. If you are ready to move or even just thinking about it. Give me a call to arrange a free consultation, a casual meeting over tea or coffee. Wondering if it’s time to plan your resizing strategy? Ask Janet! Also ask about an upcoming event where Keri Komarniski, a senior organizer and I will presenting where we will be answering your questions! 604 730 2600 Ask for Janet! 

 #rightsize #resizie #downsize #lifestyle #proactive #health #happiness #realtor #realestate #askjanet #sold #buy #invest #retire #retirement #lifeisshort #lovewhatido #realtorlife #bc #northvancouver #pittmeadows #mapleridge #investment #homematters #yourterms #familyfirst #seniorstoday #seniorliving #mylife 

Enjoy giving gifts yet don’t like gift wrapping? Instead of using wrapping paper that ends up being thrown out and as we all know, to wrap like Martha takes time, a lot of time! Instead, consider using boxes made of reclaimed wood that can be re used, vintage and new scarves, even fabric remnants.  Instead of store bought bows I use vintage ornaments, broaches, fresh greenery and pinecones. I like to use rosemary and cedar from my garden as both are fragrant. Make your gift wrapping as special as the gift itself with my custom designed free printables. It’s an easy way to make the gift you give that much more memorable. Download the pdf for free. #gifttags #printables #tistheseason #christmas #giftgiving #giving #janethelm #askjanet #realtorlife #grateful #northvancouver #pittmeadows #mapleridge #mission #detailsmatter #customerservice #lovewhatido #sbs #smallbusinesssunday

Helm’s Sunday Sellers Guide:
A client recently asked me if they should decorate their house while it is for sale.
I say yes -in moderation! The same theme of less is more should be kept while selling your home during the holidays. There are serious buyers looking and a house with stylish trimmings may encourage them to ring in the new year in your home! Keep decorations fairly neutral and instead of decking all the halls choose a couple of your best features/ spaces to highlight- a tall decorated tree can show off high ceilings, festive tartan throw pillows placed on a bay window bench can highlight a view to a large backyard. Keep views clear and tree bases narrow as you want to ensure your home continues to look spacious and bright. Keep decorations simple, a bowl full of pine cones, exterior door wreaths and if you have a fireplace add some festive greenery on the hearth.
Do add exterior lights as you would typically do, and keep the lights on into the evening. You never know who might be driving by! Are you curious what your home is worth? Thinking it would be nice to ring in the new year in a new home? I’d love to help! I'm just a phone call, email, text or tweet away! xo Janet  photos from 204 park and cintrineliving

Happy Holidays!
#grateful #smallbusinesssunday #happyhome #homematters #merrychristmas #stagedtosell #askhelm #yourguidehome #guide #navigator #soldbyhelm #lovewhatido #realtolife #bc #realestate #pittmeadows #mapleridge #northvancouver #vancouver 

Days may be shorter and darker; yet buyers may still be driving by your home! A dark house is uninviting so make sure your exterior lights are working! Now is the ideal time to replace any dated exterior light fixtures which is an easy, inexpensive detail. During these shorter Fall and Winter days, put your exterior lights on timers. Make sure the lights have been dusted and front stoop has been swept. Add a pumpkin or two at the doorstep for a festive touch, but remove the cobwebs from the lamps! Have the patio lights on during your open house as well as fires and even hot tub and pool lights. For a recent open house we added marshmallows and sticks beside the exterior fire pit. They were a hit! Included in my service is offering free staging and curb appeal advice to help homes stand out from the competition, ensuring potential buyers see the home in the best light!  Call me to arrange a free consultation. 

I’m excited to organize another exclusive buying tour for one of my clients in the neighbourhood of Edgemont Village in North Vancouver. The outdoor shopping district nestled in the heart of this residential neighbourhood has maintained the quaint family feel I remember when I grew up in the area. Today with almost 100 shops and services, the location is the centre of the community where residents can enjoy a coffee, visit the library, shop for their groceries, wine and gifts all in one convenient, easy to walk to location.

The new condominium developments are tastefully designed to combine with the established family homes from the old timers, mid century modern to the new architecturally designed custom built homes. “The Village” as it’s known to locals is world renown for the spectacular setting at the base of the year round attraction of Grouse Mountain which was part of the Vancouver 2010 Olympics. 

Tourists and locals enjoy the gondola ride to the top to experience the stunning city view below. Capilano Suspension bridge has been a local and tourist attraction for generations as has the Capilano Salmon Hatchery where you can witness jumping salmon, hiking trails and enjoy the picnic area. In the heart of Edgemont Village you can enjoy the summer live concert series on Friday evenings. Murdo Frazer public tennis courts and the 9 hole, par 3 golf course are minutes away.  The proximity to renown outdoor recreation,  the 15 minute drive to downtown Vancouver, 35 minute drive to the airport and 90 minute drive to Whistler are obvious reasons why The Village is so treasured. 

Looking for a house, condo or townhouse in the Edgemont Village area of North Vancouver?  Give me a call to book your exclusive tour.

I haven’t met someone who would pay more for a house because there is a cat or dog living there yet I do know people decided they didn’t want a house because there was a cat or dog living there. Open houses are ideal times to take Fluffy and Rover to the groomers, friends for a visit or extra long walks. Keep the home well vacuumed to minimize evidence of shedding and dander for potentially allergic buyers. Keep the litter box outside if possible. Put away their toys, feeding dishes and scratching posts. Consider using air fresheners, a fresh scent, nothing overpowering as may cause a red flag for potential buyers that you are hiding something other than your pets’ odors. Oh and that fish tank that is empty- remove it! I recently viewed a townhouse where the large fish tank made the bedroom look small. Thinking of selling? Wondering what’s my home worth? PM for a market analysis as well as more insights and staging tips. #heretohelp #smallbusinesssunday #lovewhatido #realtor #bc #realestate #stagedtosell #askjanethelm #yourguidehome